I’ve had the conversation countless times with a member of my family. We’ll call her Kim.
“Kim, why don’t you go back to school? You hate your job and I’m sure you could get a scholarship and finally do something you love.”
“No. I could never do that. I would be the oldest person in my class probably by at least 20 years and I’m not good at computers. It just would never work.”
It always makes me sad when she shoots this idea down. While I completely understand her hesitation, I also feel like she has a great opportunity to find something she loves to do – not just something that pays the bills.
Going back to school can be intimidating. Most likely, things have changed since you were last in school and going back to studying and pop quizzes may not be the most appealing idea in the world. But it also provides you a unique opportunity to combine your real-world experience with all kinds of new knowledge that you’re passionate about.
If you or someone you love is considering going back to school as an adult, here is a list of tips for starting the process.
Research Financial Aid. Scholarships and grants aren’t just for young students. There are many opportunities for single moms, military vets, and many other non-traditional students. Your employer may also cover portions of your tuition.
Manage Your Schedule. You’ve probably factored in time for class – but what about studying? Make sure you can carve out a certain time of day that you can devote to studying. If you still have kids at home, study when they study and make it a family affair! This helps you feel more in control before yo
Find Support. Whether it’s an on-campus group or a friend who is also in school, find someone to commiserate with or have study dates. You should also ask for support from your family and friends. Your spouse may need to take over some of the household duties. Make sure he or she knows how important this is to you and that they are on board.u even get started back at school, especially if you will continue to juggle work, kids, and home.
Update Your Tech Skills. If you’re worried that technology at school has advanced beyond your skill level, look for schools with 24/7 tech support (especially if you’ll be taking online courses). Some schools and even public libraries offer introductory tech classes.
Get organized. Take the time, before classes start, to get organized. Get a family calendar and keep it updated. Make decisions about how your family’s daily routine will look and who is responsible for child pick-up, chores, cooking dinner, etc. Schedule regular doctors and dentist visits ahead of time and reduce clutter in your house. All of these steps will help your life feel less busy when classes – and studying – start!